Papal Blessing

A request for a Papal Blessing, in the form of a printed certificate, should be addressed as follows:
Archbishop Christophe Pierre
Apostolic Nunciature
3339 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Each request must include:: 

  1. A recommendation from a parish priest of the person(s) to whom the blessing be imparted, or from a priest familiar with the person(s), attesting to his/her/their good standing in the Catholic Church. The request should be on the parish letterhead and have the parish seal.
    1. In the case of a wedding, both parties should be Catholics. (For anniversaries, it is sufficient that one of the members is Catholic.)
    2. For priests, parishes, associations or organizations, the request should be presented by the Diocesan Bishop.  
    3. For religious, the request should come from their superior.  
  2. The following information must be clearly typed or written:  
    1. The name(s) of the people to receive the blessing
    2. The occasion to be celebrated (such as weddings, anniversaries of a special nature -25th, 50th, 60th-, special Birthdays -80th, 90th, and so on- religious profession, first communions, confirmations) [A general blessing for no specific occasion may also be requested. In this case, please offer explanation.]
    3. The date of the occasion
    4. If a wedding, Baptism, first Communion, Confirmation & Ordination, the name of the church, its city and state
    5. The diocese to which the person(s) to receive the blessing belongs
    6. The address to which the blessing is to be mailed 
  3. An offering of $25.00 is customary and should be made by check or money order, payable to the Apostolic Nunciature.  

Please note:  

  • It is not possible to grant blessings posthumously.  
  • It is not customary to grant a blessing for the occasion of a birth.  
  • It is not possible to grant a blessing for an event that took place in the past, especially if more than a few months have elapsed. Vice versa for a premature event that will take place in the future.  
  • It is not possible for the Apostolic Nuncio to the US to grant a blessing to someone outside of the United States.  
  • It is not possible to issue more than one copy of a Papal Blessing certificate for the same occasion.  

All requests should be presented in writing, including contact information for any inquiry. Please allow a minimum of three to four (3-4) weeks even though it could take longer in some cases. Requests by fax (202-337-4036) should be followed by the original hard copy by mail, indicating that it has already been faxed. Requests by e-mail are not acceptable.
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If a blessing on parchment is preferred, it should be requested directly from the Vatican, and please find further information by clicking here.
Please be informed that the time required for receiving the parchment is approximately one to two (1-2) months from the date when the request is received.
If you need assistance please call, Boston Catholic Directory office, 617-779-3790